Tennis: Oshonaike drops bat, becomes first Nigerian appointed to IOC Commission

Olufunke Oshonaike, a legendary figure in African table tennis and a seven-time Olympian, has etched her name into the history books once again, this time off the court.

The Nigerian icon has become the first athlete to be appointed to the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, following her nomination by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.

The appointment marks a new chapter for the 50-year-old, who has long been celebrated not only for her longevity in sport but also for her leadership and advocacy.

Oshonaike is one of five new members drafted onto the Commission to complete its full composition ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

In a statement released, the IOC confirmed the inclusion of Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha (Iran, badminton), Husein Alireza (Saudi Arabia, rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé (Côte d’Ivoire, taekwondo), Olufunke Oshonaike (Nigeria, table tennis), and Mariana Pajón (Colombia, cycling). Their appointments were made in consultation with IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho.

“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do,” Coventry said. “I am deeply grateful to our new members for their commitment and the wealth of experience they bring in service to athletes worldwide.”

For Oshonaike, the appointment is a culmination of decades of service and excellence. Having competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020, she remains one of Africa’s most enduring athletes. She currently serves on both the Nigeria National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commission, continuing her advocacy for athletes on and off the international stage.

Her fellow African appointee, Cheick Sallah Cissé of Côte d’Ivoire, is a Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo and co-chair of the World Taekwondo Athletes’ Commission.

With these new additions, the IOC Athletes’ Commission now stands at 23 members representing all continents, including a representative from the Refugee Olympic Team. The group comprises 13 women and 10 men, spanning 15 summer sports and five winter disciplines, reflecting the IOC’s push for balanced global representation.

Chair Emma Terho welcomed the new members warmly, noting, “Their diverse backgrounds, achievements, and experience will enrich our discussions and help us continue to advocate for athletes worldwide.”

For Oshonaike, the moment is personal and deeply meaningful. She attributed her appointment to years of dedication and the global support she received, especially during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign.

“I am so excited because during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I was impressed by the huge support from my country and athletes across the world,” she said. “This appointment confirms that my efforts did not go unnoticed. It has been my dream to impact the sport that has given me the rare opportunity to live well in life.”

Her new role places her at the heart of decision-making within the Olympic Movement. The IOC Athletes’ Commission, made up of up to 23 members, including 12 elected by athletes during the Games and up to 11 appointed by the IOC President, ensures that athletes’ voices are represented in all major IOC decisions.

Oshonaike began her table tennis journey in the early 1980s as a young girl playing on Akeju Street in Shomolu, Lagos. She has since grown into one of Africa’s most accomplished athletes.

At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she competed in the women’s singles event, defeating Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon in the preliminary round before losing to Puerto Rico’s Adriana Díaz in the first round. She also carried Nigeria’s flag during the Parade of Nations.

Oshonaike went on to compete in the women’s singles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, her seventh consecutive appearance, having previously represented Nigeria at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016.

For Nigeria and Africa, Oshonaike’s appointment is far more than an individual achievement. It is a powerful symbol of recognition, one that honours her remarkable journey and promises stronger representation for African athletes on the global Olympic stage.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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